As the temperature drops, many insects will search for shelter for the winter months — many times in private residences. This year, people may notice a new insect coming indoors.
This insect is the brown marmorated stink bug, and University of Kentucky entomologists already are receiving calls from homeowners concerning its appearance and offensive odor, said Ric Bessin, extension entomologist with the UK College of Agriculture.

The holiday season can bring financial stress that burdens your spirit. From purchasing gifts to traveling to planning an elaborate holiday meal, extra expenses make it hard on families this time of the year. Many families skip holiday traditions to avoid overspending. Skipping the big Thanksgiving or Christmas meal may not be the answer to pinching pennies; choosing to eat a nutritious meal can help you avoid the extra spending and extra calories.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a federal program that provides technical and financial assistance to land users to address natural resource concerns. NRCS is asking for local input for the fiscal year 2013 program.

Dry weather conditions this past summer may lead to lower soil pH and potassium levels in fall soil samples. Measuring the accurate levels of pH and potassium in soil after harvest will provide the proper amount of potassium fertilizer and lime needed in the spring to supplement the soil’s nutrients to provide suitable growing conditions.

Kentucky and Spencer County FFA were well represented at the 85th Annual National FFA Convention, which was held October 24-27 in Indianapolis. An all-time record of 56,107 FFA members from across the United States attended the Convention, which is the largest youth organization gathering in the United States.